Union Minister Manjhi Urges Targeted Uplift for Disadvantaged Dalit Castes

Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has called on the government to focus on upliftment measures for less advantaged Dalit castes. Speaking after the Union cabinet's decision against a creamy layer in SC/ST reservations, Manjhi highlighted the unequal distribution of reservation benefits among Dalit castes.

Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has urged the central government to introduce targeted measures to uplift less advantaged Dalit castes. Speaking at a press meet on Saturday, Manjhi emphasized the need for specific provisions to address the socio-economic challenges faced by certain Dalit groups.

Manjhi's comments came after the Union cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reiterated that there is no constitutional provision for a creamy layer within the SC/ST reservation quotas. Manjhi stated that benefits of the reservation system are not equitably distributed, with only a few Dalit castes reaping the full rewards, including top government positions.

The minister, who is also the founder of Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and a former chief minister of Bihar, pointed out that castes such as Bhuiya, Musahar, and Dom continue to lag behind due to factors like lack of education. He called for government action to improve their socio-economic conditions.